Floyd W. Kennell's Obituary
Floyd W. Kennell of Cape Coral, Florida passed away suddenly with his loving family by his side on Saturday, July 19, 2014. He was 95 years old.He was born on June 21, 1919 in Dansville, New York, the proud son of Minnie (Selbig) and John B. Kennell. He was raised on a farm with his three brothers and sister and the family grew potatoes while raising a small herd of dairy cows. Following an injury to his Dad, Floyd had to leave high school when he was 15 and take over operation of the farm. Long hours and hard work could not overcome a poor market and meager return for farmers so he quit farming and began a career as an entrepeneur and business owner. He married Beula Van Hooser in 1939 and the couple was blessed with four children. Floyd and Beula worked together for many years growing their business in the grocery, meat processing and distribution industry. In 1959, he was President of the Dansville Board of Trade, predecessor to the Chamber of Commerce. He was an active member of Rotary for many years, serving as Secretary, Treasurer and then President of his local chapter. Around 1960, Mr. Kennell acquired his first restaurant and continued operating restaurants in the Syracuse, New York area until his retirement in 1983. He and Beula moved to Fort Myers and stayed until 1991 when he returned to New York to revive the operation of his restaurant and return it to success. Once that job was complete around 1993, he again retired and settled in Cape Coral. He enjoyed bowling and golf during his retirement and won a Memorial Cup Championship at Coral Oaks Golf Course. Sadly, in 1994, his loving wife of 55 years succumbed to Alzheimer’s Disease.He leaves to cherish his loving memory his daughters Bonnie Papa, Kay Percy and Donna Jones (Gary); his son Douglas Kennell (Regina); his grandchildren Chad Papa, Brett Papa (Sherrie), Mark Percy (Cara), Katie Malesh (Jason), Kurt Ascherman (Robelyn), Jason Kennell (Crystal), Jessica Bellows (Daniel), Garrett Kennell and Martin Flaherty; his great-grandchildren Justin, Cassidy, Shane, Harper, Paisley, Joseph, Hanna, Aidan, Sofia, Lucy, Leo, Konrad, Briley and Brooke. He also leaves behind a longtime friend, June Bammerlin.A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 am on Saturday, July 26, 2014 at Saint Andrew Catholic Church, 2628 DelPrado Boulevard S., Cape Coral, Florida 33904, (239) 574-4545. Interment will be private and will occur on a future date at Saint Peter’s Cemetery in Perkinsville, New York.Those who would like to offer condolences to the family at this difficult time are urged to visit Mr. Kennell’s memorial webpage at www.fortmyersmemorial.com and sign the guestbook.
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